George W. Burton
Henderson, Rusk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(May 17, 1848 - Jan. 26, 1933) A native of South Carolina and a Confederate veteran, George W. Burton migrated to Rusk County, Texas, about 1880. He served in the Texas House of Representatives from 1915 to 1921. During his three legislative terms, he participated in the impeachment of Governor James Ferguson, mobilization for World War I, and creation of the State Highway Department. Burton married Julia Savannah Palmer (1846-1925). They had five sons and one daughter.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in South Carolina in 1848, George W. Burton served the Confederacy before migrating to Rusk County, Texas, around 1880. He went on to represent the county in the Texas House of Representatives from 1915 to 1921, three eventful terms during which he took part in the impeachment of Governor James Ferguson, the state's mobilization for World War I, and the creation of the Texas State Highway Department. He and his wife, Julia Savannah Palmer, raised six children.
Why it matters
Burton's life bridges the Confederate South and the Progressive Era, and his votes helped build the highway system and wartime footing of a modernizing Texas.
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Related people
- · George W. Burton
- · Julia Savannah Palmer
- · James Ferguson
Related events
- · Impeachment of Governor James Ferguson
- · World War I mobilization
- · Creation of the Texas State Highway Department
Themes & tags
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